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Marco Andretti is confident heading into Brazil

Marco Andretti is in much better shape this season then he was at this point in 2012. The driver attributes that to higher confidence. Photo by LAT PHOTOGRAPHIC

Marco Andretti carries three top-seven finishes into this weekend’s IndyCar Series race in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

As important to his improved results on street circuits and road courses is his general competitiveness, he said Wednesday.

Andretti is fourth in the standings after three races. He was 18th at this point last year.

“You can’t explain it. It all just starts coming together,” he said on IndyCar’s teleconference. “Obviously, it’s still way early in the season, but I feel a lot better on my outlook. This is the first time that I can actually say I can see myself winning this championship.”

Andretti, 26, said his confidence is as high as ever after finishing third at St. Petersburg, Fla., and seventh at Barber Motorsports Park and the recent street race in Long Beach, Calif.

“I always knew I was a decent driver, I just needed to put it all together, basically,” he said. “I’m yet to [reach the top] until I start clicking off poles and wins on street courses I’ll sleep better at night.

“However, I am sleeping better than I was last year.”

The next street circuit is this weekend in Sao Paulo. Practice and qualifying is Saturday, with qualifying at 1:35 p.m. ET. The race is Sunday at 11:30 a.m. ET.